Handheld cosmetic device with kinematic and optical sensing for customizing treatment routines

ABSTRACT

A skincare device includes a brushhead including a marking disposed on a surface of the brushhead, the marking including a shape and a color; a body including a motor assembly configured to oscillate the brushhead; and a first optical encoder configured to detect the marking and determine an identity of the brushhead.

BACKGROUND Field of the Invention

The application generally relates to a personal skincare device for usewith brushheads, the device including a kinematic and optical sensor fordetecting user-applied forces, device articulation and movement, andbrushhead fiducial markers. The skincare device can adjust a parameterof the device to customize and optimize treatment of a user's skin.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates a skincare device, including a brushhead;a body including a motor assembly configured to oscillate the brushheadand an inertial measuring unit (IMU) configured to determine kinematicmeasurements of the device; a first optical encoder including a lightsource and an optical sensor configured to capture images; andprocessing circuitry configured to determine a location of the brushheadwith respect to a body part of the user based on a combination of datameasured from the IMU and the first optical encoder.

The present disclosure additionally relates to a method, includingobtaining, via a first sensor of a skincare device, a plurality ofimages of a body part of a user; obtaining, via a second sensor of theskincare device, position, velocity, and acceleration measurements ofthe skincare device; and determining, via the first sensor and thesecond sensor, a position of a skincare device with respect to a bodypart of a user.

The present disclosure additionally relates to a skincare device,including a brushhead including a marking disposed on a surface of thebrushhead, the marking including a shape and a color; a body including amotor assembly configured to oscillate the brushhead; and a firstoptical encoder configured to detect the marking and determine anidentity of the brushhead.

The present disclosure additionally relates to a method, includingdetecting, via a first optical encoder disposed on a body of a skincaredevice, a marking disposed on a surface of a brushhead, the markingincluding a shape and a color, the body including a motor assemblyconfigured to oscillate the brushhead; and determining an identity ofthe brushhead based on the marking.

The present disclosure additionally relates to a method, includingdetermining a position of a skincare device with respect to a body partof a user via one or more sensors on the skincare device, the skincaredevice configured to apply a treatment to the user's body part;obtaining a location of a target area on the body part having acondition for application of the treatment; adjusting a parameter of theskincare device according to the location of the target area and basedon the condition

The present disclosure additionally relates to a skincare device,including a brushhead; a body including a motor assembly configured tooscillate the brushhead; one or more sensors configured to determine alocation of the brushhead relative to a body part of the user; andprocessing circuitry configured to determine a position of the skincaredevice with respect to a body part of a user via the one or more sensorson the skincare device, the skincare device configured to apply atreatment to the user's body part; obtain a location of a target area onthe body part having a condition for application of the treatment; andadjust a parameter of the skincare device according to the location ofthe target area and based on the condition.

The foregoing paragraphs have been provided by way of generalintroduction, and are not intended to limit the scope of the followingclaims. The described embodiments, together with further advantages,will be best understood by reference to the following detaileddescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the disclosure and many of the attendantadvantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes betterunderstood by reference to the following detailed description whenconsidered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGS. 1A-1B are perspective drawings of a skincare device having abrushhead and optical encoders, according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIGS. 1C-1D are cross-sectional schematics of a device, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a brushhead attachment mechanismincluding a drive hub of a device and the brushhead divided into anouter brushhead portion and an inner brushhead portion, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the inner brushhead portion having amarking, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2C is a top view of the brushhead portion, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 2D-2G are graphics showing an orientation of the brush encoderdetecting the marking, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIGS. 3A-3B show a flexible applicator tip, according to an embodimentof the present disclosure.

FIG. 4A is a schematic representing signals generated by the opticalencoder detecting various markings, according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 4B is a schematic of the marking arranged in various locations onthe brushhead and an optical encoder arranged on the device, accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5A is a schematic of a backside of the device, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5B is a schematic of the backside of the device including anindicator, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5C is a schematic of the backside of the device including adisplay, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5D is a schematic of the backside of the device including a timerand a score, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6A is a schematic of a system to customize performance of thedevice including the device in communication with a central device,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6B is a schematic of different examples of the central deviceincluding a mobile device, a wearable electronic, a television or magicmirror, a personal computer, and a network router, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6C is a schematic of a system including a brush encoder deviceincluding an outer brushhead portion having the optical encoder and aperipheral device configured for optical encoder processing, accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6D is a diagram of a system to customize performance of a skincaredevice, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 7A-7C are non-limiting examples of flow charts for a method ofcustomizing performance of a skincare device, according to an embodimentof the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a non-limiting example of a flow chart for a method ofcustomizing protocols for a skincare device, according to an embodimentof the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B show perspective drawings of a personal skincaredevice 100 (herein referred to as “device 100”), according to anembodiment of the present disclosure. The device 100 includes a body 102having a handle portion 104 and a head attachment portion 106. The headattachment portion 106 is configured to removablely attach a head, suchas brushhead 120, to the device 100. As shown in FIG. 1B, the device 100includes a first optical encoder 140 and a second optical encoder 145.

The body 102 houses an operating structure of the device 100. As shownin a block diagram form in FIG. 1C, the operating structure in oneembodiment includes a motor assembly 112, a power storage source 116,such as a rechargeable battery, and a controller 150. The controller 150includes a drive control 152 and a communication part 154. In anembodiment, the controller 150 can be controlled by on/off button 132configured and arranged to selectively connect power from the powerstorage source 116 to the motor assembly 112. The power storage source116 can be charged by power delivered by a cable connected to the device(not shown). In an alternative embodiment the power storage source 116can be charged by any wireless means including by pLink charging system,inductive Qi charging system and AirFuel. A wireless charging status canbe shown as an indicator on the device or on a central device, such as adock.

In an example the communication part 154 can include circuitry andhardware for communication with a central device 620 (See FIGS. 6A-6B).In an example the communication part 154, or optionally the drivecontrol 152, can include circuitry and hardware for communication withan alert part, an indicator, or a display 160 (See FIGS. 1D and 5B-D).The communication part 154 can include a CPU, a I/O interface, and anetwork controller such as BCM43342 Wi-Fi, Frequency Modulation, andBluetooth combination, for interfacing with a network. The hardware canbe designed for reduced size. For example, the CPU may be an APL0778from Apple Inc., or may be other processor types that would berecognized by one of ordinary skill in the art. Alternatively, the CPUmay be implemented on an FPGA, ASIC, PLD or using discrete logiccircuits, as one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize. Further,the CPU may be implemented as multiple processors cooperatively workingin parallel to perform the instructions of the inventive processesdescribed above.

In some embodiments, the controller 150 includes a programmedmicrocontroller or processor, which is configured to control theoscillation of the brushhead by delivery of power to the motor assembly112. In an embodiment, either the drive control 152 or the communicationpart 154 can include the CPU, memory and store a usage of each brushheaduniquely and by the type of brushhead according to an example. Thecontroller 150 further includes an inertial measurement unit (IMU) 199configured to track movement of the device 100. The IMU 199 measures andreports a specific force, angular rate, and orientation of an object orbody using, for example, accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, orany combination thereof. The controller further includes a forcetransducer 198 configured to measure a force applied to the device 100.In general, force sensors and force transducers, such as the forcetransducer 198, measure static and dynamic tensile and compressive loadsusing strain gauge or piezoelectric sensors.

The motor assembly 112 in some embodiments includes an electric drivemotor 113 that drives an attached head, such as the brushhead 120, via adrive shaft or armature 114. When the brushhead 120 is mounted to thehead attachment portion 106, the motor assembly 112 is configured toimpart motion to the brushhead 120. The motor assembly 112 may beconfigured to oscillate the brushhead 120 at sonic frequencies,typically in the range of 80-300 Hz, oscillating the brushhead 120 backand forth within a range or amplitude of 3-20 degrees.

The motor assembly 112 may be configured to oscillate the brushhead 120at a natural resonance or resonant frequency as determined by:

${{2{\pi \cdot F}} = \sqrt{\frac{K}{J}}},$

where K is a system spring rate, J is a oscillating inertia, and F isthe resonant frequency in Hertz. Loading the bristles causes a change inthe spring rate due to bristle bending and a change in system inertia byremoving free bristle tips from an oscillating mass. The load applied tothe bristles is monitored by the force transducer 198 to determine thechange in the inertia.

In some embodiments, as will be described in more detail below, thebrushhead 120 is operated in loaded or unloaded conditions atfrequencies from about 40 Hz to 300 Hz with a range of about 3-17degrees. In other embodiments, the brushhead 120 is operated in a loadedcondition at frequencies from about 40 Hz to 300 Hz, a range oramplitude of 8-12 degrees, and a duty cycle of about 38-44%.

One example of a motor assembly 112 that may be employed by the device100 to oscillate the brushhead 120 is shown and described in U.S. Pat.No. 7,786,626, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety. However, it should be understood that this ismerely an example of the structure and operation of one such device andthat the structure, operation frequency and oscillation amplitude ofsuch an device could be varied, depending in part on its intendedapplication and/or characteristics of the brushhead 120, such as itsinertial properties, etc. In another example, the first optical encoder140 can be configured to track linear motion such as in is theClarisonic Opal™ device (Clarisonic, Redmond, Wash.), which is describedby U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0306577, incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the frequency ranges areselected so as to drive the brushhead 120 at near resonance. Thus,selected frequency ranges are dependent, in part, on the inertialproperties of the brushhead 120.

It will be appreciated that driving the attached head at near resonanceprovides many benefits, including the ability to drive the attached headat suitable amplitudes in loaded conditions (e.g. when contacting theskin) while consuming the least amount of energy from the power storagesource. For a more detailed discussion on the design parameters of thedevice, please see U.S. Pat. No. 7,786,626, incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

In an embodiment, the second optical encoder 140 is configured to trackthe motion of the device 100 as the device 100 is manipulated across asurface, such as the skin of a user. The second optical encoder 140includes, for example, an optoelectronic sensor and a light source (e.g.LED or IR laser) configured to successively image the surface on whichthe device 100 operates. Based on changes in patterns over a sequence ofimages, processing circuitry, such as a digital signal process (DSP),determines a distance and direction the device 100 has traveled. Thiscan operate in conjunction with the IMU 199 to incorporate kinematicdata, such as acceleration, position, velocity, angular deflection, orany combination thereof. Separately, each of the measurement systemshave particular strengths, and by combining their data with a trackingprocess, a more robust and reliable set of kinematic data can beproduced. The IMU 199 provides more accurate acceleration and velocitydata (compared to the second optical encoder 145), regardless of theenvironment in which the device 100 is being used(wet/dry/foggy/soapy/etc.), but is less accurate in positional accuracy(compared to the second optical encoder 145) due to double integrationerrors when converting acceleration data to positional data. The secondoptical encoder 145 provides increased positional accuracy in certainconditions where the optical path is not obstructed. Additionally,optical measurement systems, such as the second optical encoder 145, canpick up on targeted areas or landmarks of the body (moles, freckles,acne, inflamed skin, rough skin, etc.).

By having accurate kinematic data, diagnoses can be improved bylocalizing certain conditions on a user's face or body. Furthermore,therapy can be targeted to local areas of a user's face or body wheretreatment would be most beneficial. This can be augmented via highresolution surface imaging and skin condition detection using the secondoptical encoder 140. In addition to tracking the movement of the device100, the second optical encoder 140 can image and detect particularregions of the user's skin that may benefit from a tailored skin careregimen. For example, the device 100 can detect a region of the user'sskin that can use additional exfoliation and relay this detection to thecontroller 150 to increase the oscillation of the brushhead 120.Similarly, in another example, the device can detect a region of theuser's skin that includes sensitive acne inflammation and relays thisdetection to the controller 150 to decrease the oscillation of thebrushhead 150. As described below, a sound, a visual alert, or avibration or haptic feedback can be communicated to the user to adjustthe applied force.

In an embodiment, the force transducer 198 is configured to detect theforce applied to the device 100 by the user and relay the forceinformation to the CPU to determine a dampening of the oscillation ofthe brushhead 120 due to the applied force. The applied force changesthe spring rate as described above and thus changes the resonantfrequency of the brushhead 120, i.e. the oscillation. Upon determiningthe oscillation under the applied force is less than a target resonantfrequency, the processor can increase delivery of power to the motorassembly 112 and thus increase the oscillation of the brushhead 120. Inconjunction with the IMU 199 and the second optical encoder 145, thedetected applied force from the force transducer 198 can be used tofurther increase the accuracy of the target resonant frequency when itis determined that the brushhead 120 is approaching or has entered aregion of the user's skin that may benefit from a change in thebrushhead 120 oscillation.

In one example, the kinematic data from the IMU 199 and the secondoptical encoder 145 can indicate that the brushhead 120 is over a regionwith acne (i.e. more sensitive skin) and the processor thus reduces theoscillation of the brushhead 120. However, without the force transducer198, the processor may not detect that the user is applying aboveaverage force to the device 100. Thus, a predetermined reduction inoscillation to the brushhead 120 for sensitive skin may not besufficient to optimize comfort for the user as the brushhead 120 istranslated across the sensitive skin. By incorporating the detectedforce via the force transducer 198, the processor can both detect theapproaching region includes acne (via the kinematic data and/or thecaptured images) and that the user is applying above average force tothe device 100. Upon such a determination, the processor can execute thepredetermined reduction in oscillation to the brushhead 120 plus anadditional second reduction to compensate for the above average appliedforce to bring the total oscillation down to the target resonantfrequency for sensitive skin. In a converse example, the user can applya below average force and the predetermined reduction in oscillation tothe brushhead 120 can be less than the standard amount based on thebelow average applied force by the user that is detected by the forcetransducer 198.

FIG. 1D shows a schematic diagram of a device 100″ similar to that ofdevice 100′, further including an alert part, an indicator, or a display160 according to an example (See FIG. 5B-5D). The alert part can beconfigured to give an alert to the user based on the first opticalencoder 140, the controller 150, or the IMU 199. The alert can be asound, a visual alert, or a vibration or haptic feedback. In anembodiment, the indicator and/or the display can be configured tocommunicate to the user, such as a routine on where and how to use thedevice 100″ according to an example. In an embodiment, the display canbe a touch display and configured to receive input from the user.

A routine can include one or more regimens, where each regimen has a setof protocols. An example of a routine includes an event date and aprotocol. The routine further can include a plan for a number ofsessions. The plan can be based on the event date according to anexample. Each session can record a score 534 matching the protocol. Anexample of the score 534 can be based on multiplying the oscillationspeed, pressure, and duration with each other. Myriad indexing systemsfor determining the score 534 can be contemplated. Other regimensbesides those for the face of the user include, for example, a footregimen, a body regimen, etc. A protocol designer can be used to definea regimen with a set of the protocols. The regimen can have a protocolname, a type of brushhead, a duration, an applied force and a series ofsteps including a particular skin region to apply the protocol accordingto an example. The aforementioned can be recorded by the device 100 toadjust or customize predetermined regimens for the user based on theuser's usage of the device 100.

In an embodiment, the device 100 can include a treatment regimen unit(TRU) 197 including processing circuitry configured to vary a treatmentduty cycle responsive to one or more inputs indicative of a usersensitivity, a treatment area, and a change in the real-time kinematicdata when the device 100 is applied to a body part of the user. Thedevice 100 can further include an object identification unit (OIU) 196including processing circuitry configured to identify a treatment arealocation, wherein the treatment regimen unit is configured to vary thetreatment duty cycle responsive to one or more inputs indicative of theuser sensitivity, a treatment area identity, and a change in thereal-time kinematic data measured. The device 100 can further include auser sensitivity unit (USU) 195 including a graphical user interfaceincluding one or more instances of selectable user sensitivity, the usersensitivity unit configured to receive user sensitivity information(e.g., sensitive skin area, presence or absence of acne, dry skin area,temperature sensitive area, and the like).

Next, parts of the brushhead 120 are described in different examples.Referring now to FIG. 2A, a brushhead attachment mechanism can includean inner brushhead portion 210, having a marking 240, interfacing withthe drive hub 110, which oscillates through a selected angle oramplitude during operation of the device 100.

The marking 240 can be a set of fiducial marks that are detected by thefirst optical encoder 140. In one example, the marking 240 can be aprinted shape or a set of engravings on a part of the brushhead 120. Themarking 240 can be a repeating pattern of black and white shapes. Themarking 240 can additionally have a thickness relative to a surface uponwhich the marking 240 is disposed via attaching, printing, engraving,etc. That is, the marking 240 can be formed thicker by printing over thesame area multiple times to additively form a raised shape.Concomitantly, the marking 240 can be formed deeper (i.e. have anegative thickness) into the surface upon which the marking 240 isdisposed by engraving deeper into the surface. After engraving, theblack or white shapes can be printed onto the engraved surface. Thevarying heights of the shapes are detected by the first optical encoder140 by determining the needed focal length to focus on an outline of theshape of the marking 240. In an example, the marking 240 can be a stripsized to cover a desired max angle. In an embodiment, the marking 240can be configured to provide an identity of the brushhead 120 attachedto the device 100. In an example one or more of the shapes of themarking 240 can be based on the oscillation of the brushhead 120 suchthat they are configured to have an aliasing effect with respect to theoscillation. For instance, when the brushhead 120 is oscillating at aspecific frequency, the one or more shapes can appear to be stationarybased on a sampling rate of the first optical encoder 140. A precisionof the first optical encoder 140 can be based on variations of thealiasing effect of the oscillation.

The marking 240 can be used to identify a type of the brushhead such asan acne cleansing brush or a dynamic facial brush. In another embodimentthe marking 240 can be used to identify the brushhead uniquely. In anexample, the marking 240 can include a unique identifier such as a codedserial number separate from the set of fiducial marks. In an embodimenteither the brushhead or the marking 240 can include a RFID tag and thefirst optical encoder 140 can be configured to detect the RFID tag andassociate a usage history to the brushhead 120. The first opticalencoder 140 can include an active RFID reader. The RFID reader can beused to track the position of the RFID tag in an Active Reader ActiveTag (ARAT) system, for example. In an example, the usage history of thebrushhead 120 is communicated to the user and used to suggest orautomatically replenish the brushhead 120.

In an example shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, the marking 240 can be aline of the one or more shapes, such as squares of black and whiteboxes. In one example, the line of black and white boxes can beconfigured to have optical contrast along a single plane or at varyingheights based on the printing or engraving performed to adjust thethickness of the black and white boxes. As one skilled in the art wouldunderstand, alternate complementary markings or codes, and encoders canbe used with the same or different amounts of precision in detecting theshapes and their oscillation.

The first optical encoder 140 can be a 3-D camera capable of determiningvarying focal distances of the shapes of the marking 240 as well as theblack or white pattern of each shape. The first optical encoder 140 ispreferably water resistant or configured to be water resistant bypackaging for wet brush loading. Alternatively, the first opticalencoder 140 can be attached to the motor armature such that the firstoptical encoder 140 is contained within the body, making waterproofingunnecessary. In an embodiment, the first optical encoder 140 can detectthe marking 240 with non-optical light such are IR, LASER, or LIDAR.

Returning to FIG. 2A, the brushhead 120 optionally can include an outerbrushhead portion 220, which remains stationary during operation of thedevice 100. In an embodiment shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2C, a row(s) ofbristle tufts are circular and move in an arcuate manner with an axis ofrotation perpendicular to a surface of the skin. FIG. 2A and FIG. 2Cshow an embodiment in which a set of rows 212 move and an optional setof rows 222 are fixed.

The inner brushhead portion 210 has an operative relationship with thedrive hub 110 such that as the drive hub 110 oscillates through aselected angle, so does the inner brushhead portion 210. The outerbrushhead portion 220 includes a central, cylindrically shaped opening.The central opening is sized and configured to surround the sides of theinner brushhead portion 210. When attached to the device 100, a rim,which extends around the top periphery of the central opening, is flushwith or positioned slightly above the outwardly facing surface of thebody 102.

In some embodiments, the inner brushhead portion 210 and the outerbrushhead portion 220 together include a brushhead attachment mechanismconfigured to provide selective attachment of the brushhead 120 to thehead attachment portion 106 of the device 100.

In the embodiment shown, the outer brushhead portion 220 is annular,with an outside diameter of approximately 1.975 inches, with a centralopening. The outer brushhead portion 220 includes a base portion 224with a rim around the top periphery thereof which includes a pluralityof spaced finger grips 226, which helps the user in installation andremoval of the brushhead 120. The outer brushhead portion 220 canfurther include a plurality of brushhead bristles 222 which extendupwardly from the base portion 224. There may be a gap or space betweenthe bristles of the inner and outer brushhead portions, in the range of0.050-0.125 inches, preferably 0.084 inches.

When attached to the device 100 by the brushhead attachment mechanism,the following occurs: (1) the inner brushhead portion 210 is operativelyconnected to the motor assembly 112, for example, via a drive hub 110,in a manner that provides oscillating motion thereto; and (2) the outerbrushhead portion 220 fixedly secures the brushhead 120 to the headattachment portion 106 of the device 100.

Accordingly, the brushhead attachment mechanism in some embodimentsprovides a quick and easy technique for attaching and detaching thebrushhead 120 to the device 100. It will be appreciated that thebrushhead attachment mechanism also allows for other personal care headsto be attached to the device, and allows for a replacement brushhead 120to be attached to the device 100, when desired. One brushhead attachmentmechanism that may be practiced with embodiments of the presentdisclosure is set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 7,386,906, the disclosure ofwhich is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

It will be appreciated that other brushhead attachment mechanisms can beemployed to provide either tooled or tool-less techniques forselectively attaching the brushhead 120 to a personal care device, suchas device 100, in a manner that (1) provides oscillating motion to theinner brushhead portion 210; and (2) maintains the connection betweenthe inner brushhead portion 210 and the motor assembly 112. For example,in some embodiments, the inner brushhead portion 210 includes a couplinginterface configured to cooperatingly connect to an oscillating driveshaft or armature, such as armature 114, of an associated motor assembly112 in a manner that transmits oscillating motion to the inner brushheadportion 210.

The above-described examples of the brushhead 120 can be used toexfoliate skin of a user's epidermis. In that regard, the brushhead 120is first attached to the device 100. Next, if desired, a skin softeningagent, such as skin care formula, can be placed on the tips of bristlesof a first group of tufts 212.

FIG. 2B shows the inner brushhead portion 210 in more detail inaccording to an example. The inner brushhead portion 210 has a generallycircular configuration and is arranged to fit into the central openingof the outer brushhead portion 220.

The inner brushhead portion 210 includes a plurality of inner brushheadbristles 212 which extend upwardly from a base portion 214, with thebristles 212 arranged in a circular pattern covering the entire uppersurface of the base portion 214.

The inner brushhead portion 210 in the embodiment shown includes twosets of depending legs on the outer periphery thereof. The first set ofthree legs 242-242, spaced at 120° intervals, each leg having a pair ofsnap portions 244 and 246, defined by a slot 247 which extends down themiddle of each snap leg 242.

The two snap portions of each snap leg are configured and arranged toslightly flex toward each other during installation of the innerbrushhead portion 210 on the drive hub 110, with the outside edges ofthe free tips of the snap portions 244, 246 having outward bulges249-249 which snap back (with the snap portions) after they pass over apointed portion of the drive hub 110, helping to tightly engage thedrive hub 110 and retain the inner brushhead portion 210 on the drivehub 110.

The inner brushhead portion 210 further includes a second trio of spaceddrive legs 256-256. The drive legs 256 alternate with snap legs 242around the periphery of inner brushhead portion 210 and are alsoseparated by 120° intervals.

The drive legs 256 taper slightly from their base to their free ends,which are rounded, designed to provide a close tolerance fit betweenthem and the drive hub 110.

The brushhead 120 structure and assembly is described in more detail inU.S. Pat. No. 7,386,906, which is owned by the assignee of the presentapplication and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIG. 2C shows a top view of the brushhead bristle arrangement accordingto an example. The plurality of inner brushhead bristles 212 with anouter-most row of bristles 212 a. During oscillation, the outer-most rowof bristles 212 a will have a greater linear amplitude as compared toanother row of bristles 212 b, approximately according to r·θ, where ris a radius from a center of the brushhead 120 and θ is an angle ofoscillation in radians.

The brushhead bristle 212 arrangement shown and described herein, usedin the device/brushhead disclosed in the above applications is effectivefor skin cleaning applications, particularly facial skin. The presentbrushhead bristle 212 arrangement can also be used in other skin careapplications, however, as discussed in the above applications, includingacne and black head treatment, athlete's foot treatment, callused skinand psoriasis, razor bumps and related skin applications, woundcleansing and treatment of slow or non-healing wounds, scalp cleaning,chemical peel procedures and shaving cream applications. Preferredbristle configurations and arrangements will differ somewhat dependingupon the particular application.

FIGS. 2D-2E show a cross-section of a brushhead (e.g. of FIG. 2A) thatis positioned on the drive hub 110 and connected to the drive shaft 114.The first optical encoder 140 and the marking 240 are shown in alternatelocations in each of the figures. In FIG. 2D, the marking 240 a is shownlocated on an outer surface of the brushhead 120 facing the outerbrushhead portion 220, similarly as shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B. Thebrush encoder 140 a is positioned on an extension of the device in arespective location to detect the marking 240 a. In FIG. 2E, the marking240 b is shown on an underside of the inner brushead portion 210 facingthe device. The first optical encoder 140 b is positioned in arespective location to detect the marking 240 b. In FIG. 2F, the marking240 c is shown on a side of the drive hub 110. The first optical encoder140 c is positioned in a respective location to detect the marking 240c. In an embodiment, the first optical encoder 140 can be used tomonitor a status of a part of the motor assembly 112 such as theconnection between the drive hub 110 and the drive shaft 114, which isprone to wear from oscillations of many millions of cycles. In anembodiment, the first optical encoder 140 can be used to monitor astatus of a part of the operating structure such as the power storagesource 116 (e.g. battery). One or more markings and first opticalencoders can be placed at locations to differentiate a device 100status.

In an embodiment, the first optical encoder 140 d can be integrated inan outer brushhead portion that further includes a set of electricalconnections connecting the first optical encoder 140 to the operatingstructure or circuitry of the device 100 (See FIG. 2G). In this example,circuitry can be connections to the controller 150, the drive control152 or the communication part 154 as in FIG. 1C and FIG. 1D. In anotherembodiment, the first optical encoder 140 can be integrated in an outerbrushhead portion as a separate first optical encoder device (See FIG.6C). In another embodiment, the first optical encoder 140 can beintegrated into an operating structure of the device 100 such that themotion of the internal motor assembly components can be measured andcorrelated to the brush amplitude.

FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B are graphics showing an orientation of the firstoptical encoder 140 detecting the marking 240 of the brushhead 120. FIG.3A shows the first optical encoder 140 overlapping with at least aportion of the marking 240 of the brushhead 120 according to an example.The first optical encoder 140 can have a detector part 342 for sensingand a circuitry part 344 for processing and/or transmitting. In FIG. 3A,an outline of the detector part 342 is shown as a dotted circle. In anexample, a lens can be further included for enhancing optics of thedetector part 342. The line of black and white shapes of the marking 240can have a spacing 302.

FIG. 3B shows a side view of an orientation of the first optical encoder140 detecting the marking 240 of the brushhead 120, exposing a gap 304between the first optical encoder 140 and the marking 240 of thebrushhead 120 according to an example. Here the detector part 342 isshown. When in use, either circuitry of the device or the circuitry part344 detects the shape and optionally the thickness/height of the shapeand sends out a signal or digital quadrature signal, or similar infunction or purpose, a translated waveform encoding the shape andoscillation.

In an example, the first optical encoder 140 or the operating structureor circuitry of the device 100 can calculate a degree per count (DPC)based on detection of the marking 240 over time. The DPC can becalculated by an equation:

${DCP} = \frac{360^{\circ}}{{LPI} \cdot {IF} \cdot C}$

where LPI is the lines or shapes per inch, IF is an interpolationfactor, and C is a circumference of the brushhead. The interpolationfactor can account for interpolation between shapes which may beperformed by the first optical encoder 140 to enhance positionresolution.

FIG. 4A shows a graphic representing the signal or waveform generated bythe first optical encoder 140 according to an example. Based on theblack and white pattern of the shape of the marking 240, varyingwaveforms can be generated to identify the brushhead 120. This can becoupled with the varying thickness of each shape that is detected by thefirst optical encoder 140 via determining the focal length to thesurface of the shape (i.e. via adjusting the focus of the first opticalencoder 140 to bring the shape into focus, and thus determining thethickness of the shape).

FIG. 4B shows a graphic representing the first optical encoder 140disposed on the device 100 and the one or more shapes on the brushhead120 according to an example. According to certain embodiments, themarking 240 can be a ring of the one or more shapes that is disposed onthe back of the brushhead 120 opposite the surface having the bristles212 (center of FIG. 4B). This ring of the marking 240 can be detected bythe first optical encoder 140 disposed on a surface opposite the back ofthe brushhead 120, as shown in FIG. 1B as well as the left schematic inFIG. 4B. In certain embodiments, the ring of the marking 240 can bedisposed along an edge of the brushhead 120 as shown in FIGS. 2D, 2F,and 2G, as well as the right schematic in FIG. 4B.

FIGS. 5A-5D show drawings of alternate examples of a backside of thedevice 100.

According to different embodiments, the device 100 can have one or moreindicators and displays 160. FIG. 5A shows an embodiment of the backsideof the device 100′ having no additional features. FIG. 5B shows anexample of the backside of the device 100″ having at least one indicator510. Each indicator 510 can have one or more LEDs or light emittingcolors and shapes which can be configured to indicate triggering of thealarm. FIG. 5C shows an example of the backside of the device 100″having a display 160. In one example, the display 160 can be a digitalscreen such as an LCD configured to play videos and tutorials anddemonstrate a method of use of the device 100″ and highlight a targetarea 524. In another example the display 160 can be a fixed graphic 522with an indicator 524 illuminating a different part of the fixed graphic522. In an embodiment, the display 160 can be configured to show areverse image such that an image or graphic will appear correctly in amirror during use.

FIG. 5D shows an embodiment of the backside of the device 100″ havingthe indicator or display as a timer 532 and/or a score 534. Here, theindicator can be made of one or more seven-segment displays (SSD), orseven-segment indicators for displaying decimal numerals. The timer 532and the score 534 can correspond with the protocol according to anexample. For instance, the timer 532 can correspond with a protocolduration of the target profile. In an embodiment, the timer 532 and thescore 534 can be configured to show a reverse ordering such that theywill appear in a correct ordering in a mirror during use.

FIG. 6A shows a system 600 to promote an optimal performance of thedevice including the device 100 in communication with a central device620 according to an example. In one example, the system 600 can includethe device 100 in communication with the central device 620 with awireless signal 610. The central device 620 can be configured to operatea software application or set of software modules to receive and sendcommunications from and to the device 100. In an example, the softwareapplication can send a protocol or target profile to the device 100, aswell as receive data from the brush encoder to track the usage inrealtime.

FIG. 6B shows different examples of the central devices 620 including, amobile device 622, a wearable electronic 624, a television or magicmirror 626, a network router 628, and a personal computer 629. Thewireless signal 610 can be any appropriate signal such as anelectromagnetic signal including WIFI, Bluetooth, near-field, or anyother signal such as optical, and acoustic. Each client device,including the device 100, may communicate with each other through aninternet connection via an 802.11 wireless connection to a wirelessinternet access point, or a physical connection to the internet accesspoint, such as through an Ethernet interface. Each connected device iscapable of performing wireless communication with other devices, such asthrough a Bluetooth connection or other wireless means as well.

FIG. 6C shows a system 630 including a brush encoder device 640including an outer brushhead portion having the first optical encoder140 and a peripheral device 621 configured for encoder processingaccording to an example. The brush encoder device 640 can be connectedto the peripheral device 621 by a wireless signal 610 or a wiredconnection 611. The brush encoder device 640 can be interchanged andremovably attached to different devices such that a series of devicescan be tested with the same first optical encoder such as formanufacturing use. Accordingly, the peripheral device 621 can beconfigured to monitor and to test manufacturing and production of a partof the device 100. The peripheral device 621 can be a computer or a dataacquisition device (DAQ) such as mBed LPC1768, and can further connectto a computer operating data acquisition software or other peripheraldevice. In an embodiment, the brush encoder device 640 can be used totest other embodiments of the devices described here, as well asembodiments of devices without the first optical encoder.

FIG. 6D is a diagram representing an example of a system to promoteoptimum performance of a personal skincare care device 650, according toone example. The system 650 includes at least the device 100 and theperipheral device. Optionally, the system 650 may further include one ormore external servers 642 which are implemented as part of acloud-computing environment and in communication with the system 650through the Internet. The one or more external servers 642 can storeuser data, products such as brushheads and formulations, protocols androutines, tutorials, as well as other 3^(rd) party services according toan example.

FIG. 7A a non-limiting example of a flow chart for a method 700 ofoptimizing performance of the device 100, according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure. In step 705, the identity of the brushhead 120is determined based on the marking 240. In step 710, the device 100receives an input from the user for the desired skincare protocol orregimen to be executed. In step 715, the oscillation of the brushhead120 is determined and monitored throughout the protocol. In step 720,the oscillation of the brushhead 120 is determined to be within oroutside a desired range for the user-specified skincare protocol. Instep 725, the brushhead 120 oscillation is adjusted if the oscillationis outside the desired range. In step 730, upon determining the protocolhas not finished, the method 700 can return to step 715 and continuemonitoring the brushhead 120 oscillation and adjusting the brushhead 120oscillation upon determining the oscillation is outside the desiredrange.

FIG. 7B a non-limiting example of a flow chart for a low-level expansionof the step 705 of the method 700 for optimizing performance of thedevice 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Instep 705 a, the shape of the marking 240 is determined. For example, theshape can be rectangular, triangular, circular, pentagonal, etc. In step705 b, the color of the marking 240 is determined via the first opticalencoder 140. For example, the color of the marking 240 can be black,white, a gradient of black and white, or a color for the first opticalencoder 140 having a visible-light detecting sensor. For example, thecolor of the marking 240 can be infrared reflective for the firstoptical encoder 140 having an infrared detecting sensor. For example,the color of the marking 240 can be UV reflective for the first opticalencoder 140 having a UV detecting sensor. In step 705 c, the thicknessor height of the marking 240 can be determined. For example, the firstoptical encoder 140 determines the focal length between the firstoptical encoder 140 and a surface of the marking 240, and subsequentlydetermines a difference between the focal length to the surface of themarking 240 and the focal length to a surface adjacent to the marking240 (i.e. a reference surface). In step 705 d, upon determining there ismore than one marking 240, the pattern of the more than one shapes ofthe marking 240 is determined. The identity of the brushhead 120 can bedetermined by uniquely correlating a mixture of different more than oneshapes of the marking 240, the color for each shape of the more than oneshape of the marking 240, and the height for the each shape of the morethan one shape of the marking 240. For example, an identifier poolincluding two shapes, two colors, and two thicknesses can result in amaximum of eight unique brushhead 120 identities when only using onemarking 240. Increasing the pattern to two of the marking 240 canprovide an additional 64 unique brushhead 120 identities. The identitiesof the various possible brushheads 120 can be stored in a look-up tableon the device 100, the central device 620, or the external servers 642.

FIG. 7C is a non-limiting example of a flow chart for a low-levelexpansion of the step 715 of the method 700 for optimizing performanceof the device 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.In step 715 a, the power supplied to the motor assembly 112 via themicrocontroller or processor is determined. In step 715 b, the forceapplied to the device 100, for example the force the user exerts toapply the device 100 to the user's skin, is determined via the forcetransducer 198. In step 715 c, the change in the brushhead 120oscillation is determined and subsequently used to adjust the powersupplied to the motor assembly 112 to adjust the desired oscillation ofthe brushhead 120.

FIG. 8 is a non-limiting example of a flow chart for a method 800 forcustomizing skincare protocols of the device 100, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure. In step 805, it may be determinedthe user adjusted the applied force to the device 100 over apredetermined area. For example, the predetermined area may be a patchof skin including a sunburn or psoriasis. The location of the targetpatch of skin can be correlated with the change in applied force usingthe kinematic data and/or the second optical encoder 145 to track thelocation of the desired force adjustment. The selected skin careprotocol or regimen can be similarly correlated. In step 810, user inputis prompted to determine if the target area (i.e. the patch of skin)will benefit from a temporary or permanent oscillation adjustment. Instep 820, the target area can be, for example, psoriasis and theprotocol can be adjusted permanently. In step 825, the target area canbe, for example, acne and recover after multiple days or weeks and theprotocol can be adjusted temporarily. In step 830, upon determining theuser adjusted the applied force in additional target areas, the method800 can return to step 810 to prompt additional input from the userregarding the additional target areas.

The description above in connection with the appended drawings isintended as a description of various embodiments of the disclosedsubject matter and is not necessarily intended to represent the onlyembodiment(s). In certain instances, the description includes specificdetails for the purpose of providing an understanding of the disclosedsubject matter. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the artthat embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. Insome instances, well-known structures and components may be shown inblock diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of thedisclosed subject matter.

Reference throughout the specification to “one aspect”, “oneembodiment”, “an aspect”, or “an embodiment” means that a particularfeature, structure, characteristic, operation, or function described inconnection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment ofthe disclosed subject matter. Thus, any appearance of the phrases “oneaspect”, “one embodiment”, “an aspect”, or “an embodiment” in thespecification is not necessarily referring to the same aspect orembodiment. Further, the particular features, structures,characteristics, operations, or functions may be combined in anysuitable manner in one or more aspects or embodiments. Further, it isintended that aspects or embodiments of the disclosed subject matter canand do cover modifications and variations of the described aspects orembodiments.

It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appendedclaims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referentsunless the context clearly dictates otherwise. That is, unless clearlyspecified otherwise, as used herein the words “a” and “an” and the likecarry the meaning of “one or more.” Additionally, it is to be understoodthat terms such as “upper,” “lower,” “front,” “rear,” “side,”“interior,” “exterior,” and the like that may be used herein, merelydescribe points of reference and do not necessarily limit embodiments ofthe disclosed subject matter to any particular orientation orconfiguration. Furthermore, terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,”etc., merely identify one of a number of portions, components, points ofreference, operations and/or functions as described herein, and likewisedo not necessarily limit embodiments of the disclosed subject matter toany particular configuration or orientation.

A number of embodiments have been described. Nevertheless, it will beunderstood that various modifications are made without departing fromthe spirit and scope of this disclosure. For example, preferable resultsare achieved if the steps of the disclosed techniques were performed ina different sequence, if components in the disclosed systems werecombined in a different manner, or if the components were replaced orsupplemented by other components.

The foregoing discussion describes merely exemplary embodiments of thepresent disclosure. As will be understood by those skilled in the art,the present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof.Accordingly, the disclosure is intended to be illustrative, but notlimiting of the scope of the disclosure, as well as the claims. Thedisclosure, including any readily discernible variants of the teachingsherein, defines in part, the scope of the foregoing claim terminologysuch that no inventive subject matter is dedicated to the public.

1. A skincare device, comprising: a brushhead including a markingdisposed on a surface of the brushhead, the marking including a shapeand a color; a body including a motor assembly configured to oscillatethe brushhead; and a first optical encoder configured to detect themarking and determine an identity of the brushhead.
 2. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the marking includes a height defined by a differencebetween a surface of the marking and the surface of the brushhead uponwhich the marking is disposed, the surface of the marking being parallelto the surface of the brushhead.
 3. The device of claim 2, wherein theidentity of the brushhead is based on the shape, color, and height ofthe marking.
 4. The device of claim 3, wherein the first optical encoderis configured to determine the height of the marking based on a focaldistance between the first optical encoder and the surface of themarking.
 5. The device of claim 3, wherein the brushhead includes apattern of a plurality of the marking, the identity of the brushheadbeing based on the pattern.
 6. The device of claim 5, wherein eachmarking in the pattern produces a waveform when detected by the firstoptical encoder.
 7. The device of claim 3, wherein the marking is formedby printing.
 8. The device of claim 7, wherein the height of the markingis increased relative to the surface of the brushhead by printingadditional layers of ink.
 9. The device of claim 7, wherein the heightof the marking is increased relative to the surface of the brushhead byadditive printing.
 10. The device of claim 3, wherein the height of themarking is decreased relative to the surface of the brushhead byremoving material from the surface of the brushhead.
 11. The device ofclaim 10, wherein the height of the marking is decreased relative to thesurface of the brushhead by engraving.
 12. A method, comprising:detecting, via a first optical encoder disposed on a body of a skincaredevice, a marking disposed on a surface of a brushhead, the markingincluding a shape and a color, the body including a motor assemblyconfigured to oscillate the brushhead; and determining an identity ofthe brushhead based on the marking.
 13. The method of claim 12, whereinthe marking includes a height defined by a difference between a surfaceof the marking and the surface of the brushhead upon which the markingis disposed, the surface of the marking being parallel to the surface ofthe brushhead.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the identity of thebrushhead is based on the shape, color, and height of the marking. 15.The method of claim 14, wherein determining the height of the marking isbased on a focal distance between the first optical encoder and thesurface of the marking.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein thebrushhead includes a pattern of a plurality of the marking, the identityof the brushhead being based on the pattern.
 17. The method of claim 16,wherein each marking in the pattern produces a waveform when detected bythe first optical encoder.
 18. The method of claim 14, wherein themarking is formed by printing.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein theheight of the marking is increased relative to the surface of thebrushhead by additive printing.
 20. The method of claim 14, wherein theheight of the marking is decreased relative to the surface of thebrushhead by removing material from the surface of the brushhead.